I will admit I passed on Spanx despite the utter uproar that the brand has created this millennium.  Honestly, and I think other women may feel this way, I thought I didn’t need Spanx.  I thought, “I’m fit with no bulges I need to hide, so why over-complicate things with Spanx?”  Well, pregnancy made me take a long hard look at Spanx and what it could offer me — a smooth silhouette through this time of transformation.  Hear this: once I pulled on Mama Spanx, the maternity footless pantyhose, I was a believer.  The Mama and Power Mama products are now absolute staples in my maternity wardrobe, and I will continue to use Spanx for after delivery and beyond.  I have reached enlightenment.

If there is ever a time to try Spanx, it is during pregnancy.  Your bump isn’t the only part of you that may grow, and Spanx has a product for all your parts.  I was most interested in trying products that would support, not compress my bump, eliminate panty lines and generally smooth my lower half.  Mama Spanx and Power Mama Spanx were exactly what I was looking for.  Mama Spanx is a maternity footless pantyhose that cradles the expectant body.  The soft hose smooths hips, thighs and butt for a firmer, sleeker appearance while offering bump and lower back support.  There is a pregnancy support panel with underbelly support to reduce pressure.  An important feature to note is the waistband and leg band are knitted and soft, meaning they will not leave red marks behind or cut into your skin, which would be counterproductive.   The leg band can be placed pretty much anywhere between the knee and ankle to accommodate different apparel styles (pant vs skirt). They are extremely comfortable and provide a great level of confidence as they keep everything tight and put together.

The Power Mama (see left) is much like the Mama with a few tweaks.  The most apparent difference is this shapewear stops around mid-thigh and has no leg band whatsoever.  Underbelly and lower back support is still achieved and the Power Mama smooths the hips, thighs and butt as well.  I love that both products have a cotton gusset, making underwear not necessary.  You know panty lines are not going to spring up if you are not wearing panties…that’s just common sense.  Mama Spanx is available in black and nude, Power Mama in black and bare.

I wear both Mama and Power Mama under dresses and fitted pants with great success. The first time I slid on a pair, I entered a dream state.  Softer and sheerer than I expected, the body shapers feel so good on, like a hug.  A surprising use for them, for me, is under my non-maternity jeans.  Choosing to hold out a little longer with regular jeans and a belt extender, the Spanx smooths out my lower body, allowing me to wear fitted tanks with no worries…one streamlined look.  I can’t even imagine how key Spanx will be post pregnancy and am breathing a little easier knowing I now have a selection of Spanx in my arsenal, more to follow.

Clearly I had a few misconceptions about Sara Blakely’s Spanx line.  For all of those misguided souls like me, give Spanx a chance.  And for anyone even thinking about becoming pregnant, pick up some Mama and Power Mama Spanx, they are absolute necessities that are not to be lived without.

Product was provided by SPANX to facilitate this review.